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Top 10 Facts about Muson Centre

The Muson Centre is a concert venue in Lagos. The multipurpose civic auditorium is located in the centre of Lagos Island, near to Tafawa Balewa Square and between the National Museum, the City Mall, the Onikan Stadium, and the old official house of Nigeria’s Governors-General.

The Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) was founded in 1983 by a group of friends who loved and appreciated classical music.

The motivation was also to promote the understanding and enjoyment of classical music; to educate children and youth in music performance and theory; to encourage interaction between Nigerian and non-Nigerian musicians; to encourage the performance of serious music with an emphasis on classical music, and to provide facilities for the realization of the objectives and to raise funds from individuals and organizations.

1. It is a representative of the Associate Board of the Royal Schools of Music

MUSON is the Nigerian representative of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and offers ABRSM theory and practical examinations. MUSON regularly organizes concerts of both Nigerian and Western genres.

ABRSM is a United Kingdom-based examination board and registered charity. It was founded in 1889 and renamed ABRSM in 2009. 

2. It organizes concerts of both Nigerian and Western genres regularly

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In the twentieth century, the actions of elitist groups like the Muson of Nigeria made a significant contribution to the development and cultivation of art music in Nigeria. Mason has hosted regular concerts of both Western and Nigerian art music in Lagos since its establishment in 1983.

3. It has a Music School

The MUSON School of Music is a comprehensive music institution formed in 1989 by the Musical Society of Nigeria and accredited by the Federal Government of Nigeria. It is Nigeria’s premier classical music conservatory for students of all ages. The music school consists of a basic music school and a diploma school. 

The school provides part-time and full-time music instruction to children and members of the general public.

4. The MUSON Choir and the MUSON Symphony Orchestra are also invited to perform outside of MUSON.

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Nigerian and non-Nigerian musicians are encouraged to perform serious music, with a focus on classical music, and to offer facilities and generate finances from individuals and organizations to achieve the goals.

5. They regularly appear at the yearly MUSON Festival as well as during the Society’s concert season.

Muson organizes concerts of both Nigerian and Western genres regularly. The MUSON choir debuted in 1995, while the MUSON Symphony Orchestra, Nigeria’s sole professional Symphony Orchestra at the time, debuted in 2005. They regularly appear at the yearly MUSON Festival as well as during the Society’s concert season.

5. German embassy gifts Muson musical instruments worth N19.5 Million

The German Consulate in Lagos has presented a set of musical instruments worth N19.5 million to the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON Centre).

The embassy acquired the majority of the instruments, which were supplemented by individuals and organizations in Germany, thanks to the efforts of Manuel Druminski, himself an ace musician with a strong love for the continuous expansion of Nigeria’s music sector.

The transfer ceremony took place on Thursday, May 24  2018 at the MUSON Centre in Onikan. It was one of the largest private contributions in the organizations more than 34-year history.

 

6. MUSON Centre is a tourist sight

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This is the place to go in Lagos for Classical music. The Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) operates a music school on the site. You should aim to attend the annual MUSON week in October, as well as the MUSON Orchestra & Choir’s Christmas & Easter performances, which are always highly attended.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Lagos at the proper moment, you might even get to witness one of the increasingly uncommon stage plays. The Halls also host plays, seminars, and even church services, therefore not all events held there are musicals.

7. Fun thing to do near Muson Centre Area

Onikan, where the MUSON Centre is located, is teeming with exciting activities. Many visitors also visit the Nigerian National Museum, which is close to the events and conference location. Check it out before proceeding.

Some of the popular tourist attractions and sites around MUSON Centre include the following; Actis Ikeja Mall, Agboju Market, Bar Beach, Black Heritage Museum, Computer Village, Daystar Christian Centre, Ezekiel International College, First Baptist Church Abule Egba, Freedom Park and so many others.

8. The Sankara Stage play was performed at the Center

The stage drama Sankara, written and directed by Jude Idada, is about the last 100 hours in the life of Captain Thomas Sankara, an African patriot and revolutionary. Government leaders, students, celebrities, politicians, art aficionados, and distinguished visitors were expected to attend “Sankara, The Stage Play.”

9. It plays host to numerous events, awards, concerts & more on the local Nigerian entertainment scene.

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